The Washington Post decides who had the worst (and best) year in Washington [Washington Post]

“Supporters of a budget agreement worked over the weekend to secure the necessary votes in the Senate to approve the two-year deal, which they expect will pass—but by a much narrower margin than it won in the House last week.” [Wall Street Journal]

Unemployment Benefits End Right After Christmas. Here’s What Happens Next. [National Journal]

“Even the slightest hint that a GOP contender might support anything besides all-out repeal of the health care law is drawing attacks from the right. So, increasingly, in races across the country, proposals to fix the existing law or retain any of it are being ruled out by Republicans eager to further burnish their conservative credentials.” [Politico]

“Drug makers are finding it hard to convince doctors, patients and insurers that the new advances are worth their typically premium prices. Skepticism is particularly steep for drugs aimed at conditions that already have effective treatments. Of 271 drugs launched since 2006, only 13 have notched yearly U.S. sales of more than $1 billion, down from 33 of 257 drugs introduced during the previous five years, according to ZS Associates. The sales and marketing management consultant to drug makers analyzed about 500 drug launches.” [WSJ]